We often ask you to catch flights, not feelings. But what about road trips? Road trips are as thrilling and full of passionate fairytale-like aspects as boarding a plane. So, if you are reading this, start manifesting a road trip with your friends and family soon, and if you are short of ideas of where to go, we have an exciting suggestion for you – a Dubai to Salalah road trip! How does that sound?
But Why Should I Go From Dubai To Salalah By Road?
Salalah, being the third largest city in Oman, is a nature’s piece of art. On this land, you will find Arabian Sea beaches meeting the sea waters brimming with aquatic life and other beautiful features like banana plantations, a desert that turns into a green landscape after monsoon, sensational waterfalls, and many archeological sites.
So, imagine when you are breathing it all in via a road trip. How magical can the experience feel compared to an ordinary flight from Dubai to Salalah? Life is too short to settle for boring, after all!
The Dubai to Salalah road trip is an experience that feels like coming straight from a timeless road trip movie. It takes you through the natural landscapes of Salalah so that you can see everything from the sand dunes to the mountain ranges. If you are planning to go from Dubai to Salalah by road, you are in for a very rewarding journey.
So, if you are convinced to take this drive, let’s walk you through all the necessary information you need to know.
How To Go To Salalah From Dubai?
Route 31 is the best route if you want to travel from Dubai to Salalah. This is the fastest route, but we still recommend checking out Google Maps and local weather and traffic news to ensure that you are always on the right track, traveling without any difficulty.
The borders between UAE and Oman can get really busy during public holidays and weekends. So, if you really have to make your journey on the same day, start early. Give yourself an extra hour or two if you want to cross the border and reach your destination on time.
The drive from Dubai to Salalah is a long one, and you will have to make sure that the vehicle you are driving is in a well-maintained condition. Keep in mind the average fuel costs in UAE and Oman, which will help you calculate the cost of your journey.
The Dubai to Salalah road trip is a frequently traversed route that many visitors use throughout the year, which means that you will come across many staying options, petrol pumps, cafes, and other stops on the way. Keeping a mental checklist of where you can stay to spend the night or take a break for a few hours can really help you relax and hit the road with a fresh mind and body.
However, there are also many picturesque destinations that you can find along your Dubai to Salalah road trip that is worth making a stop at;
1. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood lets you explore the architecture, culture, and heritage of Dubai, as over here, you will find most of the original infrastructure still intact and preserved. The wind towers are traditionally crafted from teak, sandstone, palm wood, and gypsum, and every pathway and alley narrates the story of how the Emirates looked in the past.
2. Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve
VHGG+HW3 – Sharjah – United Arab Emirates
Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve is a place that is worth visiting during your Dubai to Salalah road trip and even making a detour for. The national park strives to protect the native animals and plants of Dubai’s desert and reserve the national heritage using great management. You can hike through the desert or try your hand at camel riding or falconry as well.
3. Hili Archaeological Park
Hili – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
Hili Archeological Park is a well-known archeological site in the UAE, housing a huge collection of buildings and tombs dating back to the Iron Age (1300-300 BCE) and the Bronze Age (3000-1300 BCE). This historical park is located just 10 km outside of Abu Dhabi and is a great destination for slowing down. There is a lush garden with fountains and a small play area for children as well.
Which Route Is Best For a Trip From Dubai To Salalah By Road?
There are two routes that you can take for your Salalah road trip. And both routes are fantastic options offering equally beautiful looks and thrilling experiences.
The first route is the inland route. Many people who come to the Middle East run after the coasts and waters, which makes the inland route a bit boring for them. However, if you look closely, the inland route is the one that lets you peek into the lifestyle and traditions of Oman like a local.
And, of course, if you love the coastal roads, then take the longer route from the East to the South coastline of Oman. This route is comparatively more scenic, full of stunning views and other hidden gems along the way.
Let’s break down both journeys one by one to decide which option will suit you more.
1. The Inland Route
The inland route from Dubai to Salalah is the shorter one, and it takes around 12.5 hours of drive to cover the approximately 1200 km distance. For this route, you can take the Mezyat Border, Al Ain, which is also known as Hafeet Border.
If you want to plan out a perfect road trip that will tell you how to go to Salalah from Dubai, then keep the following checkpoints in mind: drive to Al Ain Hafeet Border from Dubai, then to Nizwa from AI Ain, from Nizwa to Haima, and from Haima to Salalah City.
This shortest route will take you through the remote areas of Oman that are quite far away from the coast. For most of the journey, you might find yourself passing through empty roads and deserts, but the two to three-hour drive from the UAE Border to Nizwa is the heart of this road trip. It is in this part that you will find the scenic bits of your Dubai to Salalah road trip.1
But since the whole point of going from Dubai to Salalah by road is to enjoy the picturesque landscapes, we would highly suggest taking the longer coastal route.
2. The Coastal Route
The coastal route from Dubai to Salalah looks like a painted, dreamy journey enveloped by the stunning coastline. It takes approximately 20 hours for you to cover the 1900 km distance, and that too with continuous driving.
However, this route follows along the east coast of Oman, side by side of Arabian Gulf, all the way to Oman’s south coast. The coastal roads are extremely beautiful to drive and are divided into the following parts: from Dubai to Muscat, from Muscat to Sur, from Sur to Duqm, and from Duqm to Salalah.
But before you begin planning this route’s journey, here are some things you must keep in mind;
- The 20-hour drive can be a bit tedious and draining, especially if you are continuously driving.
- If you want to stay overnight along the way, keep the stay’s budgeting in mind.
- You will find a few deadland parts along the way. However, most of the coastal section is full of charming views.
So, before you map out your itinerary, write down your budget, the route that suits you best, what parts you are willing to explore, and what to bypass, and then start your journey from Dubai to Salalah.
Is There Any Bus From Dubai To Salalah?
Many people like to travel from Dubai to Salalah by bus. This is a very common mode of traveling as passengers can omit fatigue and exhaustion and enjoy the journey even more. Almost every day, there is a bus available from Dubai to Salalah, which departs from Deira and provides a direct route from UAE to Oman. These buses are air-conditioned with comfortable seats, which makes them a safe alternative to car rides for your family.
Here are some tips you must keep in mind when traveling from Dubai to Salalah by bus.
- Check the location of the bus station properly beforehand.
- Reach the bus stop at least an hour before the departure.
- The seats are mostly taken on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Arrive at the station early and occupy your desired seats before they are all taken.
- Make sure you and your family are seated near each other on the bus.
- The journey to Salalah has 3 to 4 stops in between, in which you can pray, eat or drink, or have toilet breaks.
- Always carry some food and water with you on the bus.
- We highly recommend bringing a neck pillow or blanket to ensure a comfortable ride.
- Always check beforehand if the bus service offers free Wi-Fi. Otherwise, have mobile data activated on your phone.
- You can bring one hand-carry and one large suitcase on the bus, and they won’t be weighed like the ones on airlines.
What Documents Are Required To Travel From Dubai To Salalah?
Four important documents are required if you are traveling from Dubai to Salalah by road or by bus.
- Driving license
- Passport
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance papers.
Before you begin your journey, you must always consider the latest requirements and rules that are implemented on the border. Here is a list of things that are generally applied at the border crossings.
- If you are living in the UAE on a residence visa and have a driving license, then you can apply for an Oman visa.
- If you are a UAE citizen, then you can travel without a visa.
- The UAE license is valid in Oman.
- Custom inspections check your stuff, so keep your vehicle registration and driving license handy to prevent any delays.
- Keep the other important documents mentioned in the above list with you as well.
Once again, border crossings are dependent on the rules and regulations implied by both countries. It is highly essential that you are respectful towards any obligations and do as the officials ask you to. If you are unsure about anything, visit the official Oman or UAE government website – there, you will find all the details listed for your Dubai to Salalah road trip.
If you still cannot find the required information, then reach out to a local embassy so that they can highlight up-to-date regulations and important information for your trip.
Furthermore, before you begin your Dubai to Salalah bus or road journey, keep these accessory items ready to make your trip much more convenient.
- If you are traveling by car, make sure it has ample fuel.
- Keep Omani riyals in handy.
- Pack essential documents and keep them safe throughout your journey.
- Have a reliable internet connection and navigation system ready at all times.
- Ensure that your vehicle has a jack, spare tire, and all necessary tools for minor repairs.
- Make sure that your hotel reservations and travel itinerary are sorted in advance.
- Keep a first aid kit with you.
- Carry a power bank, car charger, and other accessories to charge your phones, cameras, and tablets.
- Carry an insulated bag, car cooler, drinking water, and food supplies.
- The temperatures in UAE and Oman can sometimes become hot and humid, so have sun protection items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and hats, and wear loose clothing.
- Keep a list of emergency and roadside assistance contact numbers, and make sure every member of your group has a copy of that.
